Slipped disk is a condition characterized by protrusion (bulging) or tearing
of all or part of the soft, gelatinous central portion of an intervertebral
disk
through a weakened part of the disk. This
results in
irritation of the nerve root and manifests itself clinically by back pain
and leg pain (lumbar herniation) or neck pain and arm pain (cervical herniation)
depending on the part of the spinal column that may be involved. Lumbar disk
herniation occurs more frequently than cervical herniation.

Pain caused by slipped disk can affect nearly every
aspect of your life i.e. sitting, standing, working, playing etc. All these
activities may
become less
enjoyable and sometimes intolerable because they trigger sharp, shooting
pain. Ordinary movements like sitting or bending over can trigger a sharp
pain that radiates to your back or down one of your
legs. Severe pain may require you to lie down for several days and give up
all physical activities. The pain may progress to chronic back pain and may
result in loss of movement or sensation in the legs or feet. If the damage
to the spinal nerves is severe, there may be loss of bowel and bladder function.

Pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
(NSAIDs) such as aspirin, tylenol and ibuprofen may be prescribed.

Muscle relaxants and narcotics

Corticosteroids - either orally, as an intravenous infusion or intra-articularly
directly in the intervertebral joints (back area).

Surgery

Surgery is a good option for people who do not respond to medications
and physical therapy. A surgical procedure called diskectomy is performed
to remove the protruding disk. Other surgical options include micro
diskectomy which is a procedure for removing fragments of torn or protruding
disk through a very small
incision under X-ray guidance. Chemonucleolysis involves the injection
of an enzyme (called chymopapain) into the herniated disk to dissolve
the protruding gelatinous substance.
This procedure may be an alternative to diskectomy in certain situations.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is crucial treatment for complete treatment of lumbar
disk disease. Your physical therapist will instruct you how to properly
lift, dress, walk, and perform other daily activities without straining your
back. They will also work on strengthening the muscles of the abdomen and
lower back to help support the spine and flexibility of the spine and legs.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada. Content and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your Doctor.

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